Abstract

In the neighbourhood of the hillfort at TruszkiZalesie, commune Kolno, podlaskie voiv., are found two settlements from the Early Medieval period. One of them, site 2, lies about 300 m to the south of the hillfort. The elevation is known variously as Góra Wieża, Góra Wieżowa, Wieża, Wieżyca (i.e.: the Tower Mount, the Tower etc.). Site 2 was excavated in 1985 and 2002. Six trenches were laid out (I-VI) covering a total area of 145,5 m2 . Investigation was made of the S, W and N slope of the elevation. Of sixteen archaeological features identified two are interpreted at present as traces of defensive structures. One feature is a part of a sunken hut. All the other features are pits. Site 2 produced 1.624 fragments of pottery from the early medieval period, fragments of Lusatian Culture pottery, some 525 animal remains, a clay spindlewhorl, a fragment of a bone comb and a bone handle, an iron object interpreted as a knife or a fire-steel. Evidence recovered so far suggests that the "Tower" was a defensive settlement, used as a watchtower. The site has been dated to the 10-11t h c. The presence of Lusatian culture material suggests that the early medieval settlement was established at a location occupied formerly during the prehistoric period.